When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 730

Jonathan observed her effortless shifts between sweet innocence and playful teasing. His grin widened. He leaned in, brushing the tip of his nose against Anneliese's, his voice low and inviting.

"I'm not questioning you," he murmured. "I just want to hear it from you—my baby saying it, for real."

Anneliese's eyes fluttered, her cheeks flushing. Under his intense gaze, she pretended to be coy.

"Say what?" she asked, voice light.

"You know what," he replied.

As a teasing gesture, he bounced her lightly in his arms. Her small frame dipped slightly, and she squeaked before he caught her securely. She clung to him even tighter.

A mischievous spark lit her eyes. "I have no clue. Care to give me a hint, Mr. Fullbuster?"

Jonathan clicked his tongue, pressing his palm firmly against her curves. "Three words. Say them. Now."

She had never admitted her love to him directly—not with that burning intensity.

But such words weren't meant to be forced; they had to emerge naturally, whenever the heart compelled them. Staring a woman down to make her confess was absurd.

Anneliese parted her lips, warmth spreading across her cheeks, yet instead of speaking, a soft laugh slipped out.

Jonathan's eyes flickered with warning. She cleared her throat, bracing herself to finally say it—

A sharp knock at the bedroom door cut through the moment.

"Mr. Fullbuster, Mrs. Fullbuster, you have a visitor. It's Mr. Zane," Margot's voice called from outside.

Anneliese glanced toward the door. Zane is here? Has he found out what happened and come looking for Jess?

"Forget him. We're not done," Jonathan murmured, noticing her momentary distraction. He tilted her chin back and held her gaze, insistence in his eyes.

Half exasperated, half amused, Anneliese rolled her eyes. Outside, Margot must have assumed no one heard her. She knocked again, louder this time.

"Mr. Fullbuster, Mr. Zane is already waiting in the living room. He seems urgent. Mr. Fullbuster?"

In her mind, she mused, The young couple is clearly inseparable. They've just returned and can't bear to be apart. Mr. Zane has chosen the absolute worst moment.

Anneliese stopped on the stairs, her stance firm. "So?"

Zane exhaled heavily. "I know I handled things poorly. I refused Gianna multiple times—I never expected her to do something so reckless. I've made myself clear. Now, can you tell me where Jessica is?"

He looked exhausted, his eyes rimmed red, anxiety and anger etched across his face.

It almost seemed as though he truly cared for Jessica—but that notion meant nothing to Anneliese. She felt the urge to laugh.

If he genuinely cared, Jessica wouldn't have felt unsafe and hopeless enough to leave.

A woman carrying his child, abandoning everything—that proved her heart was already broken.

"Zane," Anneliese said firmly, "all I can tell you is that Jessica has left Oceaton. She doesn't want anything to do with you. Stop looking for her. I will not reveal where she went. If that's why you came, please leave."

She turned to ascend the stairs. Panic flashed across Zane's face as he stepped forward, reaching for her.

Jonathan moved instantly, positioning himself between them. There was no way anyone would touch his wife.